NORWAY: Christian Heritage and Natural Wonder (14 DAYS)
Norway Coastal Village
In the blessed lands of the United States, the Christian faith has taken root since the time of the pilgrims who first set foot on these shores. In Norway, however, this sacred tradition has flourished for over a millennium, with ancient Stave Churches standing as enduring testaments to its rich Christian history. Embark on a spiritual journey through this enchanting country, with its breathtaking landscapes and deep spiritual heritage.
Itineraries are custom-designed to meet the needs and desires for each individual group. Use this itinerary as is, or for inspiration to collborate with a LutherTours professional tour itineary planner to create a unique journey just for your group. Pricing varies with date of travel and group size.
QUESTIONS? Contact LutherTours 1.844.777.1517 or info@luthertours.com for details.
Itinerary:
Day 1, Depart USA
Day 2, Arrive Oslo, Norway (B, D)
Upon your arrival in Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, our group will be met by our professional tour manager who will escort the group to our private motor coach and transfer to downtown Oslo. Group meets for a welcome to Norway dinner. Overnight Oslo
Day 3, Oslo Sightseeing (B)
After breakfast, our tour guide will share more information about this fascinating city including a visit to the medieval Akershus Fortress and renaissance castle, the Oslo Cathedral, and the Nobel Peace Musuem- here you will experience exhibits and events inspired by the ideas and work of the Nobel Peace Prize laureates. After a break for lunch you will have a choice this afternoon for independent exploration, time for rest and relaxation, or travel along with our guide to the nearby Bygdøy Peninsula to visit the Norsk Outdoor Folkmuseum depicting how people have been living in Norway since the 16th century to the current day. With 160 historic buildings, including the Gol Stave Church from around 1200AD. The museum focuses on the time period from 1500 until present time, including Norwegian folk costumes, folk art, church art and the Sami culture. Return to the hotel, dinner on your own. Overnight Oslo
Day 4, Morning at Leisure, Heddal Stave Church, Brown Cheese Factory (B)
This morning is at leisure to sleep in or enjoy some independent exploration of Oslo. Perhaps time for shopping or to visit one of the many museums. After lunch the group will depart Oslo, traveling through the Hallingdal Valley with its beautiful landscapes, ancient homesteads and sparkling rivers to the Hardanger Fjord- with its many lakes and pasture providing grazing for large herds of reindeer.
Along the way we’ll visit the Heddal Stave Church. Christianity was introduced in Norway around the year 1000, and in the years after Christianity, close to 1000 stave churches were built during the Middle Ages until 1537, only 28 remain today. The Norwegian stave churches are the oldest preserved wooden churches in Christianity and Norway's unique contribution to the world's cultural and Christian heritage. The Heddal Stave Church is the largest of the countries remaining medieval wooden churches. The churches’ wooden doors and finials are often beautifully carved. The decorations feature an intriguing combination of Christian motifs and what is often assumed to be pre-Chrisitan Viking themes with animals and dragons.
Stave Church, Norway
Afterwards, we enjoy a tasty cultural tradition with a visit to a local Brown Cheese Factory to learn more about the tradition of cheese making and sample some of the many different flavors of this tasting Norwegian specialty. Afterwards we check-in to our hotel. Overnight Countryside
Day 5, Hardanger Apple Cider Mill, Roldal Stave Church, Bergen (B, D)
Today we continue our journey westward through the beautiful Hardangerfjord region, with towering mountains, deep blue fjords, and picturesque orchards on our way Bergen. Along the way we visit a local apple cider mill and learn how the production in the Hardanger area has earned Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, recognizing its high quality and traditional methods. Hardanger Cider is crafted from local apple varieties and must be made in the Hardanger region to carry the PGI label.
Completing our day with a visit to the medieval Roldal Stave Church, built in 1200, seating about 130 people and known for its legendary crucifix. The church is centrally located in Røldal and was one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Norway in the Middle Ages and up to 1835. The excellent wood building techniques and wood carving traditions of the Vikings, used in the construction of ships and houses, were further developed and are often seen in stave churches.
We continue our journey to Bergen, known as the capital of the fjords! Situated among 7 mountains, Bergen is the gateway to the fjords and offers some of the most spectacular scenery Norway has to offer. More than 900 years of history with roots beyond the Viking Age. We’ll check in to the hotel for the next 2-nights and our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Bergen
Day 6, Gudvagen, Naeroyfjord Cruise, world-famous Flam Railway (B)
After breakfast we board our coach for a drive to Gudvagen, a small fjord village in the heart of the beautiful Naeroyfjord surrounded by steep, majestic mountains, and one of the most spectacular and impressive fjords in the world. Here we’ll board the ferry for a spectacular fjord cruise to the picturesque mountain village of Flåm.
Afterward a break for lunch, our group will continue our Norwegian adventure with a ride aboard the famous Flam Railway (a must for any rail enthusiast). The world's steepest railways on normal gauge, is one of Norway's most popular attractions, and a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering. Our private coach will be waiting to transfer our group to the nearby Undredal Stave Church, built 1147, originally known as St. Nicholas Chapel. The church is only 39’x13’ and has only 40 seats, making it the smallest stave church still in use in all of Scandinavia. Overnight Bergen
Day 7, Bryggen UNESCO World Heritage, 6-Night Coastal Cruise (B, D)
Havila Voyages visit https://www.havilavoyages.com or Hurtigruten Cruises visit https://www.hurtigruten.com/
A unique culturally authentic Norwegian coastal cruise experience awaits!
Today enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful coastal city including the fish and flower markets, St. Mary’s Church build 1130 and in continuous use since early medieval period. And of course, a visit to Bryggen, the carefully restored Hanseatic area of the city which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later this afternoon our group will board the ship and begin a 6-night Coastal Cruise from the port in Bergen, the gateway to the Norwegian fjords and the start of our coastal adventure traveling northbound to Kirkenes, Norway. An intimate and immersive way to explore Norway’s dramatic coastline.
Here is where time slows down. Where you can connect with others and enjoy an incredible scenic ride, casual and cozy ambience, inspired by the Norwegian concept of “koselig” (pronounced “koosh-lee”). Overnight ship
Day 8, Ålesund, Geiranger Fjord (B, L, D)
Awake in the quaint village of Ålesund, renowned for its art nouveau architecture with beautiful brick houses and warehouses and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geiranger Fjord. Option to purchase the group shore excursion to Geiranger Fjord ($187 per person). Ascending the serpentine Ørnesvingen ("Eagle turns") to a vantage point that presents a stunning view of the fjord. This spot allows for views of the famous Seven Sisters Waterfalls, and the majestic mountains that frame the scene. Join the fjord ranger on a guided walk down the Fossevandringa, a breathtaking waterfall path with 327 steps and panoramic views of Storfossen. Overnight ship
Option- Purchase the group shore excursion to Geiranger Fjord
Day 9, Kristiansund – Trondheim Group Shore Excursion Included (B, L, D)
This morning, the ship will dock in the historic city of Trondheim, one of the oldest cities- founded over a 1000 years ago, and the countries religious capital.
Our group shore excursion includes a guided city tour and visit to Nidaros Cathedral- Norway's national shrine and has been a pilgrimage destination for almost a thousand years. The cathedral with its towers and 91-meter spire, was built over the grave of St Olav, the Viking King who brought Christianity to Norway. The church is the location for the coronation of Norwegian kings and queens right up to the present time. Your cruise journey continues out into the fjord and into an abundant archipelago as we travel to northern Norway. Overnight ship
Day 10, Ørnes - Bodø - Stamsund (B, L, D)
On this stretch, we mark the ship crossing the Arctic Circle with a ceremony and continue onward into the Arctic regions. It means midnight sun in the summer, while winter days are merely a shade less dark than night-time and, possibly, Northern Lights in the evenings. Nature is powerful with northern Scandinavia's largest glacier, the world's strongest tidal current, and encounters with the majestic sea eagle.
Option to pre-purchase from a selection of Havila Voyages shore excursion (prices vary). Perhaps a very special visit to the “Home of the Viking Chieftain”, an 83-meter-long house including a dinner banquet in true Viking style. During the bus ride from Stamsund to Borg and the Lofotr Viking Museum, you will be introduced to the Viking Age and learn more about Lofoten's history, the museum and how the Vikings lived so that you are prepared for an evening and dinner with the Vikings. Overnight ship
Norwegian Fjord
Day 11, Tromsø (B, L, D)
The voyage continues on through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to Tromsø, a city characterized by hunting and fishing, polar expeditions and courage. This vibrant city, nicknamed the “Capital of the Arctic”, was a major port for Arctic expedition and hunting ships in the 19th century. Option to pre-purchase from a selection of Havila Voyages shore excursion (prices vary). Consider, the “Walking Theater” guided tour through the streets of Tromsø. Local actors bring history to life, telling stories about and re-enact parts relating to Arctic life, fishing and polar expeditions! Overnight ship
Option to purchase additional shore excursions will be available after final payment is paid.
Day 12, Havoysund, Honningsvag, Kjollefjord (B, L, D)
Havoysund is a busy fishing village in an Arctic Archipelago. Nature here is wild, beautiful and fierce with rugged cliffs and vast expanse. Honningsvag calls itself the world’s northernmost town and is the closest town by the North Cape. Kjollefjord located in the innermost part of the fjord and a meeting place for fishermen, Sami and other traders for the last 500 years. Option to pre-purchase from a selection of Havila shore excursions (prices vary). Such as, Arctic Sea and ice-bathing, North Cape birdwatching, Snowmobiling, ATV winter safari and more! Overnight ship
Day 13, Kirkenes, Flight to Oslo (B, D)
Our group will reach our final destination Kirkenes and disembark the cruise. You are now as far east on your voyage as you can go. The border with Russia is only a few kilometers away. Group transfer to the airport for our flight to Oslo (approx. 2-hours @ $125 additional to tour cost). This afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration in Oslo. Group will meet for farewell to Norway dinner. Overnight Oslo
Day 14, Tour Ends (B)
This morning the group will transfer to the Oslo airport for departure flights.
Sample Itinerary. Custom-designed itineraries prepared to meet the needs and focus of your private group.
Included Features
• 6-Nights accommodations at first class and traditional Scandanavian hotels, 6-Night Norwegian Coastal Cruise
• Transfers, as per itinerary
• Ferry Transportation
• Professional Tour Manager throughout tour and Local Guides
• Sightseeing as indicated in itinerary
• Breakfast daily, and Most Dinners – as per itinerary
• All service charges and local taxes
Group Flights Available upon request.
Questions?
Contact a LutherTours professinal tour itinerary planner to find out how easy it is to plan a custom-designed tour itineraray for your family and friends, church group or organization!
Call 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
